Romans 13:1-7

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Romans 13:1-7. Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: Romans 13:4 for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience-' sake. Romans 13:6 For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. Romans 13:7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 13:1-7

546.

Are we not a bit hasty in referring to the higher powers as the government? Why not think of the higher powers as the power of God instead of man?

547.

God is not the author of confusion, war, etc. Is God the one behind all types of government? Explain Romans 13:1.

548.

Remember that Paul was writing under the Roman government. Is he saying that disobedience to Roman law was disobedience to God?

549.

God has placed rulers as a means of terror to evil. Explain.

550.

We should respect the powers that be. Why?

551.

The policeman is a minister of God. In what way?

552.

There are two reasons for obeying the laws. Give them. Does this apply to driving over the speed limit?

553.

Suppose we are charged an exorbitant amount of tax. Should we pay it?

554.

In what other area of living could we apply the principle of Romans 13:1-7?

Paraphrase

Romans 13:1-7. Let every man, whatever his office in the church or his spiritual gifts are, be subject to the established government. For there is no power of government but from God; and the governing powers in all countries are subordinate to, and useful for carrying on God's benevolent government of the world.

Romans 13:2 Wherefore, he who opposeth government, by disobeying its wholesome laws, or by attempting the lives of the governors, or by obstructing the due execution of their office, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they who do so shall be punished

Romans 13:3 For rulers are appointed not to terrify those of the citizens who do good works, but who do evil. Wouldst thou then live happily in any country, without being afraid of the magistrates and the laws, carefully do the good actions which they enjoin, and thou shalt have protection and favor from the same.

Romans 13:4 For the ruler, according to the true design of his office, is a servant of God, appointed to make thee and the rest happy, by maintaining all in their just possessions. But if thou do evil, if thou are rebellious, impious, injurious, or addicted to any vice inconsistent with the peace of society, be afraid of the magistrate, because the power of punishing is not committed to him by God and the people in vain: for he is a servant of God, appointed to avenge the community by punishing evil doers.

Romans 13:5 For these reasons, it is necessary for you to be obedient to the laws and rulers of the countries where ye live, not only from the fear of punishment, but also from a principle of conscience.

Romans 13:6 From the same principle, pay ye taxes also to the magistrates, because they are public ministers, appointed by God to attend continually to the affairs of government, and to the distribution of justice, that the people may live in peace.

Romans 13:7 Render, therefore, to all, without fraud, what is due by law. To whom tax is due, tax: to whom custom for merchandise is due, custom: to whom fear is due, as having the execution of the laws in their hands, fear: to whom outward respect is due on account of their office or rank, outward respect.

Summary

All civil governments derive their origin and authority from God, and when doing right, have his sanction. He therefore requires his children to be obedient to them; where they fail, they resist not merely the government but him. Civil officers, too, are designed to be for good to God's children, and not a source of fear. Neither, therefore, must they be resisted. Consequently, there are two reasons why we should obey the constituted authorities of the State: first, that we may avoid being punished, and, second, that we may not violate our conscience. Moreover, for these same reasons we pay tax, customs, etc. Besides, whenever it may be necessary, we must go farther and even honor those in authority. By all these acts we shall please God and promote our own happiness.

Comment

Duties to the Civil Government. Romans 13:1-7

Law and order are principles which come from God. The condition of a people governed by law and the resulting order originated in the mind of God. Here is a general principle which must be heeded without question, as long as the authorities do not demand of us anything inconsistent with our Christian profession. There is no authority but from God. God is the original source of all powernot that he ordains power to do wrong, but he does originate the power of authority, and sets it into operation through civil government.
To the Jew it would be no light thing to ask him to submit to the government of Rome as being ordained of God. Paul goes farthernot only is government ordained of God, but whoever resists, resists God. It would not always be easy or convenient, but the true Christian has no choice if he is to obey God.
The Christian has no need to fear the rulers of a land whose laws do not conflict with the Word of God, and no terror need rise in the heart of that child of God when he sees a policeman. The Christian is in subjection to God's more perfect revelation through Christ; such makes him the very finest of the State's citizens. To be free from the fear of government interference, we of the free world do that which is good. We as Christians will be honored by God because of our exemplary conduct.

343.

Must we always be in subjection to the higher powers?

344.

What divine reason is given for submitting to the government?

345.

We need never fear the appearance of a policeman. Why?

346.

Give the twofold obligation of the Christian to the government.

Those in power are to be obeyed because they are God's servants and are so serving to do us good. There are always some so-called free spirits who want to throw off all restraining influences and live by their own rules; even among Christians this is true. To such, the words of Paul have particular force, an avenger for anger upon him who does evil.
The Christian has a twofold obligation to the governmentnot only because he naturally fears the just anger of those in power, but for a much higher motive: his conscience has been educated by the Word of God, and upon such a basis he obeys.
An application of the above truths could be: pay your taxes. When we fail to comply with those who collect taxes, we are disobeying God. This is a very pointed, up-to-date application in light of much loose thinking and acting on such matters today.

Verse seven is a generalization and conclusion of all that has been said in the previous verse (Romans 13:1-6):

Pay dues on exports and imports, and all other legal dues.
Pay your taxes; they are your legal, as well as divine obligation.
Pay proper respect to authorities.
Pay with honest commendation those who serve well in public office.